Millions of advertising dollars are being funneled by Republicans into the Wisconsin U.S. Senate race, as recent polls indicate a tightening race.
According to figures from AdImpact, Democrats have outspent Republican challenger Eric Hovde in incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin’s campaign. So far, they have spent $93 million compared to Hovde’s $69 million, as reported by the Associated Press.
Republicans are ramping up their advertising efforts as the Wisconsin Senate race reaches its final stretch. The GOP has allocated a substantial $21 million for advertising spots in the Badger State from October 14 to November 5. In comparison, Democrats have reserved $15 million for the same period.
Flipping Baldwin’s Senate seat could be a significant turning point for Hovde and potentially contribute to the GOP’s efforts to regain control of the upper chamber.
The Senate is currently under the control of the Democrats, with a narrow margin of 51-49 seats. This includes four independent senators who align with the party. However, the GOP is expected to gain control of the West Virginia seat currently held by outgoing independent Senator Joe Manchin. This would give Republicans at least 50 seats in the Senate.
Newsweek reached out to Baldwin’s and Hovde’s campaigns via email for comment. Despite the upcoming November election, Baldwin remains the frontrunner for reelection.
According to a recent poll conducted by Emerson College Polling/The Hill, Senator Baldwin is leading with a 4-point advantage over Hovde among likely voters in Wisconsin. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 individuals from October 5 to 8, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
On October 8, the influential forecaster Cook Political Report changed their assessment of the race between Baldwin and Hovde. Previously categorized as “lean democrat,” the race is now considered a toss-up.
According to a recent internal poll conducted by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and obtained by Politico, Hovde is currently leading by a narrow margin of 1 point in a head-to-head ballot. Additionally, Hovde and Baldwin are tied at 46 percent when third-party candidates are included in the full ballot.
According to a memo shared by the committee’s executive director, Jason Thielman, Hovde has taken the lead in our internal polling for the first time.
“I have the momentum on my side,” Hovde confidently declared during a forum in Milwaukee. “My plan is to emerge victorious in this race. I am determined to win because I will remain steadfast and focused on what truly matters.”
According to Republican strategist Alec Zimmerman, Baldwin is currently facing her most challenging election campaign yet. Zimmerman believes that Hovde has the ability to connect with voters on important topics like the economy and immigration.
According to Zimmerman, Wisconsin has always been a state with closely contested elections. He explains that it is common for elections to be split evenly between candidates, but in the case of the recent election, it seems to be a return to this norm.
Baldwin secured her Senate seat in 2012 with a 6-point victory, and in 2018, she further expanded her margin of success to 11 points.
In contrast, less than 1 point has determined the outcome of four out of the last six presidential elections in the crucial swing state of Wisconsin.
